Customer Reviews

New York Deco

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Let me state straight up, I love Art Deco architecture, the elegance the high style, it reeks of class. The photography in this book is spectacular, granted it helps that the subject matter is breathtaking. This is the Deluxe addition and is priced as such. It comes autographed and it has a limited edition run. As for as im concerned it is totally worth the price, this is the kind of book that will increase in value because book collectors appreciate fine books and amazing photography. To no surprise my favorite images in this book are of the iconic Chrysler Building and the equally impressive Rockefeller Center. Art Deco symbolizes at time in america of dreams crushed and dreams created. Rockefeller Center was Jr's way of helping put Americans to work during the Depression and the Chrysler Building represents Art Deco before the depression, the limitless possiblities and the reaching for the heavens. If you have any interest at all in Art Deco, then I cant imagine you not wanting this to have pride of place in your book collection. Highly recommended.

The lovely Rockefeller Center rightly kicks of this photographic Deco tour of New York. The exteriors of the six buildings have delights everywhere, for all to see, too.

The book though is very generalised and probably aimed at the tourist market because it has no contents, index or bibliography. What it does have are plenty of close-ups of the detail work that seems to adorn so many Manhattan buildings, frequently way above street level so that these gems are mostly missed. There is a super shot of one of the Chrysler eagles on pages 148-9, or the ornamental metalwork of a lightning bolt and a bird on the General Electric Tower, page fifty-one.

The one hundred and thirty eight photos are all in color and each has an informative caption. Between the photos text pages contain thoughts on Big Apple by a variety of writers and historical personalities, which again suggest the title is really a keepsake aimed at the visitor.

A similar photo book by Carla Breeze New York Deco, though lacking in so many close-ups takes a more guide book approach with copy and photos covering commercial, residential, entertainment, public and religious buildings plus an index and bibliography. If your curiosity goes further David Garrard Lowe's fascinating Art Deco New York, sums it all up within a serious historical perspective.

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

While recently doing some research on the incredible Chrysler Building I came across this book on Amazon. I checked out the reviews, opted for the deluxe, a short time later it arrived in New Zealand. I wonder if the citizens of New York take for granted the fantastic, artistic, vibrant city in which they reside. To have architecture so wondrous, so luxurious, right in your back yard truly must be incredible. I am 6'4", and I hate long distance flying with a passion, but the photos in this book have inspired me to make a firm promise to myself: that I will visit this amazing city in the not too distant future. For a book to move one this much is a rarity. It now takes pride of place on our lounge coffee table. The quotations (mainly from the Deco period) are inspiring. At a time when everything in the world is so incredibly serious, the daily grind wears you down, and it is obvious there can never be a return to simpler times, take a breath, grab a vino, flick through this book and be transported back to a time of beauty and adventure.

Richard Berenholtz does it again! He's managed to put together another great testament of New York City in photographs. This time however we get to enjoy many details rarely seen and often overlooked of the city's vast art deco history. The images are exquisite, rich in color and texture and beautifully composed. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates New York City and the eclectic form of elegant and stylish modernism found in its architecture and interior design. I can't wait for his next book to add to my collection.

This is a good book for viewing architectural elements and sculptural images. It is mainly a picturial book with few words. It does not describe the rules or the fundamental design approaches that define the art deco style if you are looking for that type of educational experience. This 159 page, 8" x 8", book has some nice Art Deco examples for viewing. I would recommend this to those seeking an idea of an arcthitectural expressions.

The author has searched out and magnificently photographed the great specimens of the art deco school of design. Famous are the Chrysler building, the Empire State Building, and Radio City Music Hall, but there are dozens more lesser known gems in this great compendium. We liked it so much we bought a second copy as a gift for a friend.

Berenholtz was trained, licensed, experienced and successful as an architect before he chose to concentrate on photography. It shows in this wonderful book, which is filled with artfully framed and technically refined photographs. What sets it apart is the concise storytelling and descriptions of style, locations and history-- knowledge that brings more depth to the work. If a skilled author always "writes what he knows", here is a photographer who "shoots what he knows". The book is a bargain.

Now available in a relatively compact and indubitably affordable edition, New York Deco is a collection of Richard Berenholtz's full-color photography showcasing some of New York's most outstanding art deco architecture. Brief text captions and the occasional quote enhance this stunning collection that is surely the next best thing to touring New York's grandiosity in person. A treat for art deco fans, and the perfect souvenir for an unforgettable New York vacation, New York Deco is highly recommended.